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Pharmacology: Mechanism of Action: Glucosamine is an endogenous aminomonosaccharide synthesized from glucose and utilized for biosynthesis of glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans. The sulfate salt of Glucosamine forms half of the disaccharide subunit of keratan sulfate, which is decreased in osteoarthritis, and of hyaluronic acid, which is found in both articular cartilage and synovial fluid. Due to early studies suggesting altered Glucosamine metabolism contributes to development of osteoarthritis.
Pharmacokinetics: Osamine: Absorption: 26%, bioavailability is low due to first-pass hepatic metabolism.
Distribution: Glucosamine is not protein-bound, but rather incorporates into plasma proteins (primarily globulins).
Metabolism: Glucosamine sulfate is rapidly desulfated following oral or parenteral administration; Glucosamine is metabolized (predominantly in the liver) to smaller molecules and ultimately to carbon dioxide, water, and urea.
Excretion: Renal 10%, Feces 11%.
Elimination Half-life: 70 hours.
